Dental Anxiety: Etiology and Treatment Options

Abstract

Dental anxiety might be the cause of serious health problems. Avoiding dental visits can lead to complications with functional, esthetic and sociological consequences. In order to have a simple and efficient dental procedure, it is very important to diagnose dental anxiety and to react adequately. The aim of this paper is using available literature to present most frequent causes, consequences as well as treatment options for dental anxiety. Treating dental anxiety and choosing the right treatment is not always easy, however, it is important for dental practitioners to be able to assess patient’s behavior, possible causes of such behavior and select adequate therapy methods. Individual approach is very important as well as timely recognition and gradation of dental anxiety in order to apply adequate and successful dental treatment.